The must see top 10 Street Art in New York

In the late 70’s, at the same time when Hip Hop was born, Street Art manage to slowly impose itself over the years to now become essential.

In order for you not to miss any of this great art, I propose the “TOP TEN” New York Street Art!!!

1. Barry McGee mural

The work: in partnership with Vanity Fair, Cadillac, The Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the 98 by 65 feet (30 by 20 meters) art piece is signed Barry McGee. Here’s a video of his work: http://vimeo.com/53861589#

The artist: Barry McGee is an American painter and a graffiti artist, born in 1966, he graduated from the San Fransisco Art Institute. He made painting and prints his specialties.

Location: The work can be seen on the wall the Mark Morris Dance Company on Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn, NY 11217.

2. Aiko Mural

The work: In 1982, on this big concrete wall, Keith Haring and his piece of art of 32 ft (10m) has found its place. From 1984 to 2008, the wall, which belonged to Tony Goldman was merely used for commercial purpose until the gallery owner, Tony Goldman, find a use to expose big scale mural paintings. This wall since, has become a place of expression and creativity for a number of artists who expose and share their talent.

3. WK Interact

The work: located between the Thompson Hotel and the Konditori Swedish coffee shop, this art work from French artist WK Interact occupies the wall on its entire height representing 3 figures in movement.

The artist: WK Interact is a French artist born in 1969 in Caen who now lives in New York City. This street artist, captivated by the movement, did participate at a number of projects in NY and abroad. Take a look at his website: http://www.wkinteract.com/

4. Paper Graffiti Wall Sticker

The work: since the beginning of the 80’s, Michael Anderson has been collecting New York graffiti stickers. In this way, with more than 40 000 stickers, the New York Ice hotel used it to make this incredible wallpaper.

The artist: Michael Anderson is a native New Yorker born in the Bronx in 1967. Great image collector, he was noticed in 2010 with his collage Red Abstraction where the face of Benicio Del Toro stands along with the Che. Afterwards, he will work again with visual, notably on Barack Obama presidential campaign with Snoop Dog, Stevie Wonder, the Wu Tang Clan and Britney Spears.

5. JR

The work: It took 4 days of collage for the French artist JR to create his magnificent piece of art part of the project Inside Out. The face belongs to Brandon Many Ribs, a member of the Lakota tribe (Native Americans). This silent scream has become a symbol in the City of New York, notably on the High Line.

The artist: JR, born on February 22nd 1983, is a French artist who exposes his photos in black and white around the world. JR considers the streets as “the biggest art gallery in the world”. His work is dedicated to those who don’t usually visit museums. His work involves art, action, commitment, freedom, identity and boundaries.

Location: On the High Line between 29th and 30th Street, New York, NY.

6. I LOVE NY

The work: Initially appearing in the streets of Paris, the « Heart Vandal » has been followed in New York, notably with the appearance of the very notorious “I….NY”.

The artist: Born in 1969 in Bristol (United Kingdom), Nick Walker gave credit to stencil work in the beginning of the 80’s, inspired by the famous street artist Banksy. His recognition exceeded the street setting since he worked along Stanley Kubrick on Eyes Wide Shut in 1999, then few years later with the Black Eyed Peas.

7. Comme des Garçons

The work: The building « Commes des Garçons » is an old car workshop with 1509 ft (460 m2) of space, it’s one the hippest place around where the Japanese brand ”Comme des Garçons” settled. Located in the neighborhood of Chelsea, it’s surrounded by a number of galleries and art museums. For the little story, few years ago, this particular building on the front was decorated by various street artists.

The artist: The owner who also appreciates Street art allowed many artists like the French named Invaders to display his work on the wall. Other artists like Judith Supine, Gaia, Shepard Fairey, Sharktoof and more also helped with the “work”.

9. Love Letter to Brooklyn

The work: Located in Brooklyn, Stephen Powers’ piece gathers on a first look at vintage advertising. When looking closely, you realize that these are strong messages that him and his team are exchanging with the local people.

The artist: Stephen Powers aka ESPO (Exterior Surface Painting Outreach) is an American artist originally from New York who studied at the Art Institute of Philadelphia before getting famous because of its graffiti in Philadelphia then NYC.

10. Diary of Brooklyn

The work: « Diary of Brooklyn » is a calligraphy created to honor the history of Brooklyn and can be ssen from outside. Soon, pieces from the Mickalene Thomas will be added among others.

The artist: Jose Parla is an American artist with Cuban origin born in 1973. He started to paint in 1983 and few years later, he started to be known among street art artist under the nickname of “Ease”.